Multiple letter tray



R. J. THORN ET AL.

MULTIPLE LETTER TRAY Filed July 15, 1959 Patented Mar. l0, 1942 eric 2 Claims.

This invention relates in general to letter trays and more specifically to a novel multiple letter tray having one or a plurality of shelves. The novel construction of this article of manufacture overcomes objections inherent in conventional curved surface for the retention and convenient subsequent removal of the letters contained therein.

A further object is attained by providing a structure of great strength and rigidity by the use of formed sheet metal elements fabricated entirely by welding.

Referring to the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the letter tray showing two horizontal shelves.

Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the letter tray.

Fig. 3 is a sectional plan view of the letter tray taken through sections lines 3 3, Fig. 2.

Each horizontal tray is made of one piece of sheet metal by first blanking and then forming the metal to provide side members l, flat bottom 2 and rear end 3. The forward portion of the bottom 2 is curved upwardly in a sweeping curve at 4, thus the two sides, the rear and the upturned front portion shown in the plan view, Fig. 3, provide a suitable enclosure for retaining letters and the like.

Elongated slot 5 in the forward edge of each tray provides convenient access for the insertion or removal of letters and the like.

The rear corners of the formed trays, described above, are aiXed, preferably by welding, to the rear upright members 6, Fig. 2, thus the space between the superimposed trays is unobstructed for the passage, placement and removal of letters and the like. It is to be noted that the curved forming of the vertical members 6 coinciding with the curved corners of each tray contribute greatly to the strength and rigidity of the device as a whole.

Four suitable resilient pads 'I are ailixed to the lowermost tray to prevent sliding and marring of furniture. y

It is obvious that more such trays may be superimposed upon longer upright members 6 to provide convenient means for segregation and storage for various classification of letters and the like. A

Having described our invention, we claim:

l. A multiple letter tray comprising a plurality of superimposed sheet metal trays held in fixed spaced relationship above each other, the sides and rear Walls of each said tray joining each other in a curved surface, each said tray formed from a single sheet of metal into an enclosure having a bottom and vertical rear and side members, the foremost edge of the said bottom formed upwardly to partially complete the said enclosure, a pair of curved vertical sheet metal supports aixed to corresponding rear corners of said trays and adapted to hold said trays in spaced relationship with each other, each of said vertical supports welded to the vertical corresponding curved corner surfaces of each said tray, to hold said trays in rigid spaced relation with each other, whereby unobstructed access may be attained through the sides and front into the space between each said tray.

2. A multiple letter tray comprising a plurality of superimposed sheet metal trays held in fixed spaced relationship above each other, the sides and rear walls of each said tray joining each other in a curved surface, each said tray formed from a single sheet of metal into an enclosure having a bottom and vertical rear and side members, the foremost edge of the said bottom formed upwardly to partially complete the said enclosure,

ROBERT J. THORN. THEODORE HESS. 

